Manufacturing Week to be celebrated Oct. 1-5 in Brookings

BROOKINGS – Brookings Mayor Keith Corbett has proclaimed Oct. 1-5 as Brookings Manufacturing Week, acknowledging the industry’s role as a key driver of the Brookings area economy.

The community is the second largest manufacturing community in the state, with the industry employing one out of every four private sector workers in the county.

This is the sixth year that the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and communities throughout the state have been promoting manufacturing in South Dakota through a series of week-long events, concluding with National Manufacturing Day on the first Friday in October.

“Manufacturing Week is a unique opportunity for our manufacturers to show the community that this industry provides sustainable jobs with limitless opportunities for advancement,” said Stacy Aesoph, Brookings Economic Development Corporation director of workforce development. “There is a vast array of career options within the industry including sales, marketing, engineering, human resources, welders, tool and die makers and more.”

This year, BEDC partnered with area manufacturers and the Brookings School District to conduct a manufacturing presentation at the Brookings High School.

BEDC will also host a manufacturing CEO breakfast featuring the topic of automation. Representatives from SD Manufacturing & Technology Solutions will share information on future trends, return on investment and best practices of automation.

In addition, the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation Deputy Secretary Tom Hart will present on the topic of youth labor laws and registered apprenticeships at an event hosted by the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce.